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Abstract:

A multi-purpose lighter apparatus comprising a lighter and at least a
cigar splitter. The lighter may comprise a lighter body and a lighter cap
for emitting a flame. In a preferred embodiment, the cigar splitter may
be incorporated into the lighter body. In an alternate embodiment, the
cigar splitter may be incorporated into a frame, wherein the frame may be
attached to or secured about at least a portion of a conventional lighter
body in the form an aftermarket accessory for both disposable and
non-disposable lighters. The cigar splitter may comprise two or more
nested, removable, concentric housings wherein each housing has its own
blade for splitting cigars of differing diameters. The functionality of
the multi-purpose lighter may be further enhanced by the incorporation of
one or more tools including but not limited to a clip, a light, a can
opener, a bottle opener, and the like.

Claims:

1. A multi-purpose lighter apparatus, comprising: a lighter having a
lighter body and a lighter cap; and a cigar splitter incorporated into
said lighter body.

2. The multi-purpose lighter apparatus of claim 1, wherein said cigar
splitter comprises: a first housing having a first blade; and a second
housing having a second blade.

3. The multi-purpose lighter apparatus of claim 2, wherein said first
housing and said second housing are cylindrical in shape with the
diameter of said first housing being less than the diameter of said
second housing.

4. The multi-purpose lighter apparatus of claim 3, wherein said first
housing and said second housing are capable of forming a concentric
configuration wherein said first housing is capable of being disposed in
a nested position within said second housing.

5. The multi-purpose lighter apparatus of claim 4, wherein said first
housing is connected to said second housing by a releasable connection
when said first housing and said second housing are in said nested
position.

6. The multi-purpose lighter apparatus of claim 5, wherein said
releasable connection comprises at least one male element and at least
one female element, wherein said releasable connection is formed by the
complimentary engagement between said at least one male element and said
at least one female element.

7. The multi-purpose lighter apparatus of claim 6, wherein said at least
one male element is constructed of resilient material, wherein
application of a manual force on said at least one male element
disengages said at least one male element from said at least one female
element.

8. The multi-purpose lighter apparatus of claim 4, wherein said first
housing further comprises a blade recess capable of retaining said second
blade of said second housing therein when said first housing and said
second housing are in said nested position.

9. The multi-purpose lighter apparatus of claim 6, wherein said at least
one male element comprises two male elements diametrically opposed and
said at least one female element comprises two female elements
diametrically opposed.

10. The multi-purpose lighter apparatus of claim 1, further comprising
one or more tools incorporated, into said lighter body wherein said one
or more tools are selected from the group consisting of a clip, a
removable clip, a light, a can opener, and a bottle opener.

11. A multi-purpose lighter accessory for attachment to a conventional
lighter, said multi-purpose lighter accessory comprising: a frame capable
of attachment to at least a portion of said conventional lighter; and a
cigar splitter incorporated into said frame.

12. The multi-purpose lighter accessory of claim 11, why said cigar
splitter comprises: a first housing having a first blade; and a second
housing having a second blade.

13. The multi-purpose lighter accessory of claim 12, wherein said first
housing and said second housing are cylindrical in shape with the
diameter of said first housing being less than the diameter of said
second housing.

14. The multi-purpose lighter accessory of claim 13, wherein said first
housing and said second housing are capable of forming a concentric
configuration wherein said first housing is capable of being disposed in
a nested position within said second housing.

15. The multi-purpose lighter accessory of claim 14, wherein said first
housing is connected to said second housing by a releasable connection
when said first housing and said second housing are in said nested
position.

16. The multi-purpose lighter accessory of claim 15, wherein said
releasable connection comprises at least one male element and at least
one female element, wherein said releasable connection is formed by the
complimentary engagement between said at least one male element and said
at least one female element.

17. The multi-purpose lighter accessory of claim 16, wherein said at
least one male element is constructed of resilient material, wherein
application of a manual force on said at least one male element
disengages said at least one male element from said at least one female
element.

18. The multi-purpose lighter accessory of claim 14, wherein said first
housing further comprises a blade recess capable of retaining said second
blade of said second housing therein when said first housing and said
second housing are in said nested position.

19. The multi-purpose lighter accessory of claim 16, wherein said at
least one male element comprises two male elements diametrically opposed
and said at least one female element comprises two female elements
diametrically opposed.

20. The multi-purpose lighter accessory of claim 11, further comprising
one or more tools incorporated, into said frame wherein said one or more
tools are selected from the group consisting of a clip, a removable clip,
a light, a can opener, and a bottle opener.

Description:

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] Not applicable.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

[0002] Not applicable.

INCORPORATION-BY-REFERENCE OF MATERIAL SUBMITTED ON A COMPACT DISK

[0003] Not applicable.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0004] 1. Field of the Invention

[0005] Me multi-purpose lighter apparatus relates to cigar accessories
such as a cigar splitter that may be used in combination with a lighter
and, more specifically, to a safe and precise multi-purpose lighter
apparatus for splitting a cigar or cigarillo along the length of its
axis.

[0006] 2. Background Art

[0007] Cigar smoking has become a popular past time during the past
decade. As cigar smoking has gained in popularity, so too have the
accessories utilized to cut and light cigars and cigarillos. The proper
tools for cutting and lighting cigars are perceived to enhance the cigar
smoking experience. For example, many experienced cigar smokers will
leave the head portion of the cigar in its finished, pre-smoked state
until the cigar is ready to be smoked, in order to maximize the flavor
and freshness of the cigar. Before smoking, the experienced cigar smoker
will cut the finished head portion (i.e. the smoking end of the cigar
which is placed in the user's mouth) of the cigar with a tool to provide
a clean cut. It is well known in the art of cigar cutters to provide a
guillotine style cutter which is used to clip the smoking end of the
cigar. It is also known to provide a tubular cutter, or punch cutter, for
forming a hole or opening in the smoking end of the cigar. Both types of
cutters are well known in the art, as are v-shaped cutters, all of which
provide a clean cut to ensure proper circulation through the body of the
cigar when smoked.

[0008] As is commonly the case, a split along the length of a cigar or
cigarillo may be wanted. For various reasons, such as the insertion of
flavor enhancers, easier draw, or the like, such splits are often highly
desirable. However, few smokers have access to a proper tool for making
such splits. Often pocket knives or razors are used, an obviously
dangerous alternative practice. Further, the splits should be precisely
made such that the length of the cigar or cigarillo wrapper is not
distorted or unnecessarily damaged. A sloppy split can easily result in
an unsmokable cigar or cigarillo. Further, the wrapper on the cigar or
cigarillo may be an important flavor enhancer and ascetic feature. A
poorly made split or a poorly made splitting tool can easily ruin the
wrapper. With the cost of a good cigar or cigarillo often at a premium,
this is an important consideration. The present apparatus provides a
multi-purpose lighter apparatus that includes a splitter that is precise,
safe to both user and cigar, and compact, thus eliminating the need for
two or more separate items.

[0009] Many social situations may call for the use of additional
functional features in addition to a lighter and cigar splitter such as
but not limited to a bottle opener, a removable pocket clip, a pocket
light, a can opener, and the like. It is not unusual for more that one of
these additional accessories to be required in every day social
situations, and thus it would be convenient to further combine one or
more of these tools onto the apparatus of the present invention, thus
simplifying carrying them on one's person.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0010] The present invention comprises an apparatus or device that has one
or more of the following features, which either alone or in any
combination may comprise patentable subject matter.

[0011] This invention generally relates to the attachment of smoker's
tools to a cigarette, cigar, cigarillo, or pipe lighter apparatus. In
another aspect, the present invention relates to smoker's tools that
readily mount onto a lighter apparatus with the smokers tools being
securely and functionally positioned. In still another aspect of the
present invention, the tools may comprise a relatively inexpensive but
useful smokers aftermarket accessory kit that preferably mounts onto what
is commonly known as a disposable or throw-away lighter of the type
marketed by BIC Corporation of Milford, Conn. The inventive elements may
also be attached to refillable, non-disposable lighters as well such as
those marketed by the ZIPPO Manufacturing Company.

[0012] The general purpose of the multi-purpose lighter apparatus,
described subsequently in greater detail, is to provide a combination of
at least a lighter and a cigar splitter that has many novel features that
result in an improved lighter and cigar splitter apparatus that is not
anticipated, rendered obvious, suggested, or even implied by prior art,
either alone or in combination thereof.

[0013] To attain this, the multi-purpose lighter apparatus provides a
multi-purpose lighter apparatus comprising a lighter having a lighter
body and a lighter cap, and a cigar splitter incorporated into the
lighter body.

[0014] Another embodiment of the present invention provides a
multi-purpose lighter accessory for attachment to a conventional lighter,
the multi-purpose lighter accessory comprising a frame capable of
attachment to at least a portion of the conventional lighter, and a cigar
splitter incorporated into the frame.

[0015] The more important features of the multi-purpose lighter apparatus
have only been broadly outlined so that the detailed description thereof
that follows may be better understood and in order that the present
contribution to the art may be better appreciated.

[0016] Accordingly, it is a principal aspect of the invention to provide a
portable combination lighter and cigar splitter.

[0017] One aspect of the present invention is to provide two or more
housings wherein each housing comprises a hollow cylinder and a blade
disposed in the center along the length of the cylinder.

[0018] Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a cutting
edge of a first blade oriented in a plane that contains the long axis of
a first housing, for cutting an outer sheath of a cigar or cigarillo of a
first diameter as the cigar or cigarillo is inserted through one end of
the first housing and out the other end.

[0019] Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a cutting
edge of a second blade oriented in a plane that contains the long axis of
a second housing, for cutting an outer sheath of a cigar or cigarillo of
a second diameter as the cigar or cigarillo is inserted through one end
of the second housing and out the other end.

[0020] Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a loop
attached to an outer surface of the multi-purpose lighter apparatus
configured to receive either a chain or a keychain.

[0021] Still another aspect of the present invention is to provide an
apparatus for both opening up the wrapper or sheath of a cigar and
lighting the cigar wherein the apparatus comprises a lighter having
lighter frame and a cigar splitter attached to and/or incorporated into
the lighter frame.

[0022] Still another aspect the present invention of the present invention
is to split a cigar along a chosen length of its axis.

[0023] Still another aspect of the present invention is to provide an
apparatus that is safe to use for both cigar and user alike.

[0024] Yet still another aspect of the present invention is to provide an
apparatus that is safe when stored.

[0025] These together with additional aspects, features, and advantages of
the multi-purpose lighter apparatus will be readily apparent to those of
ordinary skill in the art upon reading the following detailed description
of presently preferred, but nonetheless illustrative, embodiments of the
multi-purpose lighter apparatus when taken in conjunction with the
accompanying drawings.

[0026] in this respect, before explaining the current embodiments of the
multi-purpose lighter apparatus in detail, it is to be understood that
the multi-purpose lighter apparatus is not limited in its application to
the details of construction and arrangements of the components set forth
in the following description or illustration. Those skilled in the art
will appreciate that the concept of this disclosure may be readily
utilized as a basis for the design of other structures, methods, and
systems for carrying out the several purposes of the multi-purpose
lighter apparatus. It is therefore important that the claims be regarded
as including such equivalent constructions insofar as they do not depart
from the spirit and scope of the multi-purpose lighter apparatus. It is
also to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed
herein are for purposes of description and should not be regarded as
limiting.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated into and form a
part of the specification, illustrate one or more embodiments of the
present invention and, together with the description, serve to explain
the principles of the invention. The drawings are only for the purpose of
illustrating the preferred embodiments of the invention and are not to be
construed as limiting the invention. In the drawings:

[0028] FIG. 1 depicts a side view of an embodiment of a multi-purpose
lighter apparatus of the present invention.

[0029] FIG. 2 depicts a magnified perspective view of an embodiment of a
cigar splitter element having both a first housing and a second housing
of the present invention.

[0030] FIG. 3 depicts a side view of another embodiment of an apparatus of
the present invention.

[0031] FIG. 4 depicts a magnified perspective view of another embodiment
of a cigar splitter element having both a first housing and a second
housing of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0032] Although a detailed description as provided in the attachments
contains many specifics for the purposes of illustration, anyone of
ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that many variations and
alterations to the following details are within the scope of the
invention. Accordingly, the following preferred embodiments of the
invention are set forth without any loss of generality to, and without
imposing limitations upon, the claimed invention. Thus the scope of the
invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal
equivalents, and not merely by the preferred examples or embodiments
given.

[0033] Tobacco companies make numerous types of cigars in terms of size,
type, and flavor. However, all flavors are not available in all types or
size. The apparatus of the present invention helps cut open a cigar so
that the customer of the cigar company may smoke any flavor out of any
type or size of cigar that one wishes. The present inventive apparatus
provides a smoker of cigars with a compact, precise tool for splitting a
cigar along its axis. The apparatus can be selectively capped in a closed
position for safety. Further, the cutter does not extend beyond the
boundary of the apparatus so that it is safe to use.

[0034] More specifically, the subject invention generally relates to a
combination lighter and cigar splitter. As mentioned above, some users of
cigars and other products for smoking find it advantageous and enjoyable
to substitute the filling in premade cigars and smoke the cigar with the
substituted filling. The present invention addresses this need by
providing an apparatus for both splitting cigars and thereafter lighting
cigars. The present invention also addresses the need to simplify the
number of apparatuses for the enjoyment of substituting in cigars and
smoking the substitute-filled cigar by providing an apparatus for both
splitting and lighting the cigar.

[0035] The scope of the present invention includes embodiments wherein the
cigar splitter is incorporated into a lighter body as generally shown in
FIGS. 1-2 and an alternate embodiment where the cigar splitter is
incorporated into an accessory frame that may be attached to a
conventional lighter as shown in FIGS. 3-4.

[0036] As shown in FIGS. 1-2, a multi-purpose lighter apparatus 100 of the
present invention may comprise a cigar splitter 20 incorporated into a
lighter body 15 of a conventional lighter having a lighter cap 10 for
emitting a flame. Such a unitary configuration may allow for a slim
design that may still retain the dimensions of a conventional lighter.
The cigar splitter 20 may extend through the lighter body 15 allowing a
cigar, cigarillo, or other object to be passed there through while the
cigar, cigarillo, or other object is cut or split along its axis.

[0037] One or more tools may also be disposed about the lighter body 15 to
provide additional multi-purpose functionality of the apparatus 100. The
one or more tools may include but are not limited to a clip 30, a light
35, a can opener 40, a bottle opener 45, and the like. In one embodiment,
the clip 30 may be fixed to the lighter body 15 and allow for removable
attachment of the apparatus 100 to a belt or other desired surface. In
another embodiment, the clip 30 may be removable from the lighter body 15
and in a preferred embodiment the removable clip 30 is usable as tweezers
or as an otherwise resilient retainer for manipulating and holding
objects too small to be easily handled by human hands. A removable clip
30 may be retained in position on the lighter body 15 via a friction fit,
a resilient arm, or any other means known within the art. The light 35
may include any light configurations known within the art including but
not limited to conventional pen lights, LED lights, and the like. In a
similar fashion, the can opener 40 and bottle opener 45 tools may
comprises any configuration known within the art and the structures shown
in FIGS. 1-2 are only to be used for illustrative purposes. Both the
number of the one or more tools that may be added to the apparatus 100 of
the present invention and the location of each of the one or more tools
about the lighter body 15 is not essential to the present invention and
should not be viewed in a manner that limits the invention to the merely
exemplary configurations shown in FIGS. 1-4.

[0038] While the cigar splitter 20 is generally shown in FIG. 1, a
magnified view of a preferred embodiment of the cigar splitter 20 is
shown in FIG. 2. The cigar splitter 20 may comprise a plurality of
housings wherein each housing has a blade therein. Each of the plurality
of housings may be used to split or cut cigars of various diameters. In a
preferred embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, the cigar splitter 20 comprises
a first housing 21 having a first blade 22 therein for splitting cigars
and a second housing 25 having a second blade 26 for splitting cigars
therein. The first housing 21 and the second housing 25 may be
cylindrical in shape with the diameter of the first housing 21 being less
than the diameter of the second housing 25. Such a diameter difference
allows the first housing 21 and second housing 25 to be configured as
concentric cylinders with the first housing 21 capable of being disposed
in a nested position within the second housing 25 as shown in FIGS. 1-2.
In this manner, the two housings 21,25 may each provide a blade for
splitting cigars of different diameters as needed by the user. While
specific sizes are not essential to the scope of the present invention, a
preferred embodiment may comprise a first housing 21 and first blade 22
sized for splitting cigars, cigarillos, and the like having approximately
one-quarter (1/4) inch diameters and a second housing 25 and second blade
26 sized for splitting cigars, cigarillos, and the like having
approximately one-half (1/2) inch diameters. Cigars and cigarillos may
typically have diameters expressed as a ring gauge measurement with
typical sizes including but not limited to those within the ring gauge
range of 18 to 80. The scope of the present invention includes all known
diameters or ring gauges and is not specifically limited to housings
accommodating any particular size(s).

[0039] A blade is attached to the inside of each respective housing as
shown in FIGS. 1-2 with a first blade 22 within the first housing 21 and
a second blade 26 within the second housing 25. Each blade 22,26 is
oriented for cutting an outer sheath of a cigar or other item as the
cigar is inserted through one end of the appropriately-sized splitter
housing 21,25 and out the other end. When the cigar or other item is
inserted, a cut will be made along the long axis of the cigar so that the
cigar may be split open and its filling replaced. When the first housing
21 is disposed within the second housing 25 in the stored or nested
position, a blade recess 23 formed within the outer wall of the first
housing 21 may provide room to accommodate the fixed second blade 26 of
the second housing 25 in such a manner, the first housing 21 may be
nested within with second housing 25 without the first housing 21 being
obstructed by the second blade 26 disposed within the second housing 25.

[0040] A releasable connection 24 may be disposed between the first
housing 21 and the second housing 25. Such a releasable connection 24
between the respective housings 21,25 allows for the first housing 21 to
be removed from within the second housing 25 when the cigar or other item
to be split is more appropriately-sized to be split by the second blade
26 that is disposed within the second housing 25. With the first housing
21 and its first blade moved, the cigar or other item may then be passed
through one end of the second housing 25 and out the other end of the
second housing 25 as the second blade 26 splits the outer wrapper of the
cigar or other item. FIG. 2 depicts a preferred embodiment of the
releasable connection 24 comprising at least one male element 24a
composed of resilient material that interacts with and releasably engages
at least one complimentary female element 24b. The at least one male
element 24a may comprise a tab or flange that interacts or engages with
at least one female element 24b such as a recess gap. With the at least
one male element 24a engaged with the at least one female element 24h,
the first housing 21 may be retained and/or secured within the second
housing 25. Application of a manual force on the at least one male
element 24a may deform the resilient material of the at least one male
element 24a and disengage the at least one male element 24a from within
the at least one female element 24b thereby allowing the first housing 21
to be removed or withdrawn from its nested position within the second
housing 25. The scope for the present invention further includes the use
of any other releasable connections 24 known within the art.

[0041] FIGS. 3-4 illustrate an example of another embodiment of an
apparatus 100 of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 3, the present
invention may also comprise a multi-purpose lighter accessory 105 that
may be used in conjunction with a conventional lighter 105. The
multi-purpose lighter accessory 105 may comprise any or all of the
structures disclosed above pertaining to the illustrative embodiment
shown in FIGS. 1-2 having a cigar splitter 20 in an integral or unitary
configuration. Most specifically, the multi-purpose lighter accessory 105
may further comprise an accessory frame 50 upon which the cigar splitter
20 and optionally one or more tools may be disposed. As with the previous
embodiment, the cigar splitter 20 may comprise a plurality of housings
and respective blades thereon. A preferred embodiment comprises a first
housing 21 and a second housing 25 as described above. The multi-purpose
lighter accessory 105 may further comprise a receiving cavity 55 shaped
and capable of accepting and retaining at least a portion of a
conventional lighter 105 therein. In a preferred embodiment, the frame 50
or at least the interior walls of the cavity 55 may comprise rubberized
or other resilient material to provide a secure friction fit grip about a
conventional lighter 105 that may be inserted therein.

[0042] As shown in FIG. 4, the scope of the present invention further
includes the use of a plug 60. The plug 60 may be provided as an
additional safety precaution. As the diameter sizes of the plurality of
housings (and their blades therein) increase, the possibility of harm
coming to an unintended object (such as a finger) inserted therein
increases as well. The plug 60 or any other equivalent structure may be
used to fill the cavity within the innermost, housing (e.g. first housing
21) thereby preventing another object from being inserted and coming into
contact with the first blade 22. The plug 60 may be held within the first
housing 21 by a friction fit, tongue in groove structures, or any other
means known within the art. The plug 60 may be shallow enough to not
contact the first 22 blade within the first housing 21 or, alternatively,
the plug 60 may have a slit or recess therein similar to the blade recess
23 found within the outer wall of the first housing 21 that accommodates
the second blade 26. Additionally, the plug 60 may comprise an additional
tab 61 or any other structure known within the art to assist the user in
gripping or grasping the edge of the plug 60 to thereby assist in its
removal from the housing.

[0043] The embodiments of the present invention allow for a cigar splitter
to be combined with a conventional lighter in a number of configurations.
Additionally, one or more tools for a smoker may be disposed about the
lighter as well. Such a unique apparatus within the scope of the present
invention provides cuts or slits in cigars and cigarillos to allow for
additional material to be inserted thereby enhancing the use of the
cigars, cigarillos, and other objects. Use of the apparatus of the
present invention makes changing the flavor of a cigar quick and easy.
With the cigar splitter to cut open cigars having a variety of diameters
or ring gauges, a lighter to smoke your new flavored cigar, and one or
more tools attached to the lighter, the apparatus of the present
invention provides the convenience of two or more separate instruments in
one.

Patent applications in all subclasses Cigar tip perforators or slitters